Summary of the Second Triumvirate

Unveiling the power struggles and alliances of ancient Rome.

How Do You Learn Best?

Note: You can explore any or all of these paths in any order you prefer!

Audio Library

As one of our featured lessons, this topic includes premium audio guides.

🔒

Unlock the Audio Summary

This free audio lesson is available exclusively for Logged in Memory Wizards members. Please sign up for a free account or log in to access this content.

Sign Up Log In
🔒

Unlock the Wizard's Cram Session

This powerful audio study guide is a Pro-exclusive feature. Upgrade to Memory Wizards Pro to access this and all of our premium learning tools.

Upgrade to Pro

the Second Triumvirate in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Introduction

The Second Triumvirate, formed in 43 BC, marked a pivotal moment in Roman history. Consisting of Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus, this political alliance was established to consolidate power and restore order after the assassination of Julius Caesar. The actions of the Second Triumvirate would have far-reaching consequences on the Roman Republic.

As the members of the Second Triumvirate took control, they quickly eliminated their enemies through proscriptions, leading to a period of brutal political purges. This consolidation of power allowed them to assert dominance over Rome and its territories. However, tensions soon arose between the members, leading to conflicts that would ultimately shape the future of the Roman Empire.

Despite their initial unity, the Second Triumvirate would eventually unravel due to personal rivalries and conflicting ambitions. The power struggle between Octavian and Mark Antony would culminate in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, where Octavian emerged victorious and became the sole ruler of Rome. The downfall of the Second Triumvirate paved the way for the rise of the Roman Empire under the rule of Augustus, formerly known as Octavian.

Octavian (later Augustus)

Octavian (later Augustus)

Octavian, also known as Augustus, was the grandnephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. He was one of the key figures in the Second Triumvirate and would go on to become the first emperor of Rome.

Mark Antony

Mark Antony

Mark Antony was a prominent Roman general and politician who aligned himself with Octavian and Lepidus in the Second Triumvirate. He was known for his relationship with Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt.

Lepidus

Lepidus

Lepidus was a Roman general and politician who joined forces with Octavian and Mark Antony to form the Second Triumvirate. He played a lesser role compared to his counterparts in the alliance.

Formation of the Second Triumvirate

Formation of the Second Triumvirate

In 43 BC, the Second Triumvirate was formed by Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus. The three men joined forces in order to avenge Julius Caesar's assassination and take control of Rome.

Execution of Caesars Assassins

Execution of Caesars Assassins

One of the first acts of the Second Triumvirate was to hunt down and execute the assassins of Julius Caesar. This included prominent figures such as Brutus and Cassius.

Division of the Roman Empire

Division of the Roman Empire

After consolidating their power, the three members of the Second Triumvirate divided the Roman Empire amongst themselves. Octavian took control of the west, Antony the east, and Lepidus Africa.

War against the Liberators

War against the Liberators

The Second Triumvirate faced opposition from the forces of the Liberators, led by Brutus and Cassius. A fierce battle took place at Philippi in 42 BC, resulting in the defeat of the Liberators.

Antonys Relationship with Cleopatra

Antonys Relationship with Cleopatra

Mark Antony's affair with Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, caused tension within the Second Triumvirate. Octavian used this to his advantage, painting Antony as a traitor to Rome.

Exile of Lepidus

Exile of Lepidus

Lepidus was eventually sidelined by Octavian and Antony, leading to his exile from the Second Triumvirate. This left only Octavian and Antony in power.

Octavians Rise to Power

Octavians Rise to Power

Octavian, also known as Augustus, emerged as the dominant figure in the Second Triumvirate. His cunning political maneuvers and military victories allowed him to consolidate power in Rome.

Final Conflict between Octavian and Antony

Final Conflict between Octavian and Antony

The alliance between Octavian and Antony eventually crumbled, leading to a final conflict between the two at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Octavian emerged victorious, solidifying his control over Rome.

End of the Second Triumvirate

End of the Second Triumvirate

After defeating Antony, Octavian became the sole ruler of Rome. He went on to establish the Roman Empire and become its first emperor, effectively putting an end to the Second Triumvirate.

Legacy of the Second Triumvirate

Legacy of the Second Triumvirate

The Second Triumvirate marked a turbulent period in Roman history, characterized by political intrigue and military conflict. Despite its ultimate collapse, the alliance shaped the future of Rome and paved the way for the rise of the Roman Empire.

In conclusion, the Second Triumvirate, formed in 43 BC, was a pivotal moment in Roman history. The alliance between Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus resulted in the defeat of their enemies and the establishment of a new ruling order in Rome.Although the Second Triumvirate eventually fell apart due to power struggles and betrayal, its impact on Roman politics and society was profound. The legacy of this alliance continues to be studied and debated by historians to this day.

1 / 19

Lesson Details & Resources

In a Nutshell

  • What: The formation of a political alliance in Ancient Rome.
  • When: 43 BC
  • Who: Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus
  • Outcome: The Second Triumvirate led to the defeat of the forces of Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi.

Famous Figures in the the Second Triumvirate

  • Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus

    He was a skilled politician and military strategist, who later became the first Emperor of Rome.

  • Marcus Aemilius Lepidus

    He was a Roman general and politician, known for his loyalty and military accomplishments.

  • Marcus Antonius

    He was a powerful Roman general and politician, who later became a member of the Second Triumvirate.

  • Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus

    He was a Roman senator and consul known for his support of the Second Triumvirate.

  • Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso

    He was a Roman senator who played a role in the political dynamics of the Second Triumvirate.

  • Lucius Cornificius

    He was a Roman military officer and supporter of the Second Triumvirate.

  • Marcus Tullius Cicero

    He was a renowned Roman philosopher, lawyer, and statesman who opposed the Second Triumvirate.

  • Gaius Cassius Longinus

    He was a Roman senator and one of the conspirators against Julius Caesar, who later supported the Second Triumvirate.

  • Publius Cornelius Dolabella

    He was a Roman senator and supporter of Julius Caesar, who later joined the Second Triumvirate.

  • Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (brother of triumvir)

    He was the brother of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and a supporter of the Second Triumvirate.

Timeline of the Second Triumvirate

April 21, 43 BC

Battle of Mutina

November 27, 43 BC

Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus form the Second Triumvirate

Late 43 BC

First proscriptions begin

December 7, 43 BC

Cicero is assassinated

October 23 - December 7, 42 BC

Battle of Philippi

40 BC

Antony marries Octavia

36 BC

Lepidus is stripped of his provinces

40 BC

Treaty of Brundisium

41 BC

Antony meets Cleopatra in Egypt

32 BC

Antony divorces Octavia

September 2, 31 BC

Battle of Actium

August 30 BC

Octavian captures Alexandria

August 1, 30 BC

Antony and Cleopatra commit suicide

27 BC

Octavian becomes the sole ruler of Rome

23 BC

End of the Second Triumvirate

27 BC

Octavian assumes the title Augustus

30 BC

Beginning of the Roman Empire

13 BC

Antony's son by Cleopatra is executed

14 AD

Death of Lepidus

August 19, 14 AD

Death of Octavian (Augustus)

Vocabulary List

Lepidus
A Roman politician and general who was a member of the Second Triumvirate
Antony
A Roman politician and general who was a member of the Second Triumvirate
Octavian
A Roman politician and military leader who was a member of the Second Triumvirate
Triumvirate
A political alliance between three individuals who share power equally
Rome
The capital city of the Roman Empire
Civil war
A war between different groups within the same country
Caesar's assassination
The murder of Julius Caesar in 44 BC by a group of senators
Mark Antony
A Roman general and politician who played a significant role in the Second Triumvirate
Octavian's adoption
The adoption of Octavian (later known as Augustus) by Julius Caesar as his heir
Cicero
A Roman philosopher, lawyer, and politician who opposed the Second Triumvirate
Ides of March
The 15th of March, the day Julius Caesar was assassinated
Legions
A large unit of the Roman army, typically consisting of around 5,000 soldiers
Philippi
The location where the Battle of Philippi took place, a key conflict during the Second Triumvirate
Sextus Pompeius
A Roman military leader and pirate who posed a threat to the Second Triumvirate
Parthian Empire
An ancient empire located in present-day Iran and Iraq that was a rival of Rome
Proscriptions
A list of individuals who were declared enemies of the state and had their property confiscated
Gaul
An ancient region in Europe, encompassing present-day France, Belgium, and parts of adjacent countries
Cleopatra
The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, who had romantic relationships with both Caesar and Antony
Tiberius
The stepson of Augustus and the second Roman emperor
Battle of Actium
A naval battle in 31 BC between the forces of Octavian and those of Antony and Cleopatra.

Key Facts

This is the information used in the fact matching game

  • The Second Triumvirate was formed in 43 BC after the assassination of Julius Caesar
  • The members of the Second Triumvirate were Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus
  • The Second Triumvirate was a political alliance to restore order to the Roman Republic

  • It was officially recognized by the Roman Senate
  • The Second Triumvirate effectively ended the Roman Republic and established the Roman Empire
  • The Triumvirs were given extraordinary powers, including the ability to pass laws and appoint officials

  • Octavian, later known as Augustus, was Caesar's adopted heir and became the most powerful member of the Triumvirate
  • Mark Antony was a powerful military leader and a former ally of Caesar
  • Lepidus was a Roman general and politician, although he played a lesser role in the Triumvirate

  • The Triumvirs divided the Roman provinces among themselves
  • Octavian took control of the western provinces, Antony took the east, and Lepidus was given Africa
  • The Triumvirs faced opposition from the forces of Brutus and Cassius, who assassinated Caesar

  • They defeated Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC
  • One of the first acts of the Triumvirate was to declare many of Caesar's assassins as enemies of the state
  • Antony formed an alliance with Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, which later caused tension with Octavian

  • Lepidus was eventually removed from power by Octavian and forced into retirement
  • The Second Triumvirate lasted for ten years, until the tensions between Octavian and Antony erupted into war
  • The conflict between Octavian and Antony culminated in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC

  • Octavian emerged victorious, and Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide shortly after
  • The end of the Second Triumvirate marked the beginning of Octavian's sole rule and the transformation of Rome into an empire.

Analysis & Significance

Immediate Consequences

The formation of the Second Triumvirate in 43 BC marked a significant shift in Roman politics, as power was consolidated among its members: Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus. This alliance was formed to avenge Julius Caesar’s assassination and to maintain stability in the Roman Republic, resulting in the defeat of Caesar’s assassins at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC.

Long-Term Impact

The Second Triumvirate ultimately led to the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. The power struggle between Octavian and Mark Antony following the defeat of their enemies at Philippi culminated in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, where Octavian emerged victorious and became the first Roman Emperor, Augustus.

Cultural Significance Today

The legacy of the Second Triumvirate continues to influence modern politics and power dynamics. The transition from Republic to Empire marked a turning point in Roman history, setting the stage for centuries of imperial rule. The rise of Augustus and the establishment of the Roman Empire shaped Western civilization and its institutions, leaving a lasting impact on governance and political structures worldwide.

the Second Triumvirate Games

Was This Lesson Helpful?

Please log in or sign up to rate this lesson. 

Take Your Learning Offline

Want a convenient, print-ready study guide for this lesson? Become a Memory Wizards Pro member to unlock the downloadable " Memory Scrolls" for this topic and our entire library!

  • ✓ Complete Vocabulary Lists
  • ✓ Key Facts & Timelines
  • ✓ Beautifully Formatted for Print & Mobile
Upgrade to Pro

You must be logged in to provide feedback. Please log in or create a free account.

Scroll to Top